The government and the NBU predict an increase in the cost of living in Ukraine.

The head of the NBU, Andriy Pyshnyi, said that product prices will rise sharply at the beginning of January. For the first month of the year, growth will be, on average, 5%.

As for causes, first, the prices of products brought to Ukraine from Europe are increasing: dairy products, citrus fruits, pasta, carbonated drinks, and greenhouse vegetables. The main reasons for the increase are in logistics costs, the blockage of the border, and the reduction of domestic vegetable stocks.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko suggests that Ukrainians will have to reduce their level of consumption of goods and services several times.

At the same time, the National Bank predicts an increase in the cost of utility services, particularly gas, hot water, and heating. However, according to the regulator’s experts, this will not happen before 2025. As well, tariffs will be increased in several stages and accompanied by the expansion of public support with subsidies.